asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a person (name supplied) in County Galway qualified for unemployment benefit last June and was paid until the middle of November when the payment ceased; and why payment ceased in this case.

Payment of unemployment benefit was suspended in this case, when a report was received that the person concerned had refused an offer of employment, pending inquiries as to whether he fulfilled the statutory conditions for receipt of unemployment benefit which require the claimant to be unemployed and available for work. On the basis of the information now obtained the claim has been disallowed with effect from 6th November, 1969, on the ground that the claimant was not available for employment. He is being advised of his right of appeal against that decision if dissatisfied.

I would ask the Minister to look into this case personally. I have a feeling that political influence has prevented this man from getting what he is justly entitled to receive.

I am not entitled to interfere with these decisions. The person concerned is entitled to appeal.